FDM Services
Diversions can produce prototypes, "one-of's" and functional test models in ABS plastic in hours. We also augment this service with traditional machining and fabrication services as well as RTV rubber mold making and casting in resin, bondo, plaster and low melt metals. We can also take your 2D drawings and create the 3D model for the printer to produce.
How it works
The Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) works directly from 3D modeling software files in STL format. The printer works with two materials, a ABS build material and a break-away support material. The printer software slices the object to be modeled into layers .010" thick and then the printer builds the model layer by layer by extruding a filament of ABS material .010" by .020" thick back and forth in the "x,y" plane until each layer is complete, moves up .010" and builds the next layer. If a portion of the model requires support during the process the printer automatically builds this along with the ABS and the support can be removed after the build is complete. The printer can also build hollow objects by building in a honeycomb of material on the inside that can be removed after the build is complete. The build envelope is 8" by 8" by 12" tall and if something I'm building is bigger than this I can glue the parts together using ABS solvent cement.
The ABS material is available in 8 primary colours and can also be painted if required.
